On Saturday, 2 September 2017, over one hundred athletes participated in Race 11 of The Beast Challenge obstacle-course race (OCR) at The Wedge 4×4 Trail in Muldersdrift.

The Beast offers 3 levels of participation. The first level is the “Tame Beast”, a 5km course with around 15 obstacles. This is suitable for anyone over the age of eight who is not necessarily fit, but looking to have fun.

Level 2 is the “Wild Beast” and consists of a 10km course with around 30 obstacles for the fitter, more competitive athletes. This intermediate race is a tough challenge that requires some strength, a good degree of fitness and training.

Level 3 and most difficult is the “Savage Beast”, a demanding test for elite athletes. With over 50 obstacles stretching over 15km, this event pushes competitors’ mental and physical limits.

Van Tonder crossed the line in 01:18:02, a minute ahead of second-place finisher, Bradley Claase. Rounding off the men’s podium was Marius Smith, who finished in 01:34:15.

All three men have been selected as part of the South Africa Team to compete at 2017 Obstacle Course Racing World Championships will be held at October 13-15 at Blue Mountain Resort in Ontario, Canada. Van Tonder and Smit will be competing in the PRO class, while Claase will be competing in age group category 25 – 29.

Says van Tonder, “What a day. Race 11 in the bag. It was a super race at The Beast. It was a nice balance of running and obstacles.”

Multisport – Dirtopia Ride and Run Challenge Jeep Team triathlete, Michael Lord, continued his winning form at the inaugural Dirtopia Ride and Run Challenge at DelVera Farm in the Stellenbosch winelands.

Lord won the Challenge, a 20km MTB and 7.5km trail run, along trails and single-track through the DelVera vineyards and neighbouring farms, ahead of Dylan Janos in second and Quinten van der Merwe.

“I’m chuffed to win the inaugural Dirtopia Ride and Run Challenge. I’m confident my training is going really well for the upcoming Clanwilliam Triathlon on the 30th of September,” said Lord.

My ethos is espoused in the words of Nelson Mandela: “I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”